Abrasive blasting - What are the OHS risks?
The occupational health and safety risks associated with abrasive blasting involve the nature of the cleaning substance, the nature of the substances being removed, and the circumstances in which cleaning takes place.
Abrasive blasting processes involve hazardous substances, dust, noise, particulate matter, abrasive blasting equipment and plant. General hazards associated with abrasive blasting processes include manual tasks, working in confined spaces, working at heights, slips, trips and falls, vibration and heat.
Breathing in small particles of dust can scar lung tissue. Silica dust can cause silicosis (stiffening and scarring of lungs). This creates shortness of breath, coughing and chest pain. Lead dust can result in lead poisoning.
Noise exposure can result in permanent hearing damage.
Manual handling tasks can result in strains, sprains, fractures, dislocations, bruises and overuse injuries. Slips, trips and falls can cause injuries to arms, legs and the head.
Working in confined spaces can result in burns, crush injuries, electrocution, suffocation, poisoning, brain damage and death.
With prolonged use of abrasive blasting equipment, the vibration can cause persistent microscopic damage to nerves and blood capillaries.
When a person is subjected to heat, it can result in heat stress, discomfort, irritability, dehydration, reduced concentration, heat-rash, reduced tolerance to chemicals and noise, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.